A major counterfeit medicine racket has been uncovered in Karnataka, with investigators alleging that a licensed pharmacist supplied fake cancer drugs and critical-care injections to more than 90 hospitals and clinics in Bengaluru and surrounding areas. The investigation has also revealed links to other states, including Maharashtra and Gujarat, raising concerns about the possible spread of counterfeit medicines through a wider interstate supply network.
Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister UT Khader said the state government acted after its enforcement agencies detected the suspected fake drug operation. The crackdown involved the Health and Family Welfare Department, the Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration, the Drugs Control Department and a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
